The oldest and historic cemeteries in Ontario

The historical importance of Ontario is not just visible in the buildings and cultural sites of the province. It may sound queer to some, but the area is also home to some of the oldest and most historic burial grounds.

The cemeteries are remarkable examples of the contemporary architecture with statues and chapels dating back many years. People who love history and architecture would love to visit such beautiful cemeteries, but there are also people who are afraid of the cemeteries, old crypts and headstones, and while their friends or family members are looking for ancestors’ graves, they prefer to wait somewhere nearby trying to disctract themselves with watching memes or playing games. By the way, if sometimes you look for timekilling websites and you love gambling – try casino online, where you will come across a great number of reviews and helpful information.

Some of the cemeteries are maintained while may unmarked ones exist all over the province. Let’s take a look at the oldest cemeteries in Ontario province which deserve a mention.

St. James’ Cemetery

St. James’ Cemetery is historically among the oldest cemeteries still functioning in central Toronto. It is one of the earliest burial grounds being opened in 1844 and located in Parliament Street and Bloor Street.

The Chapel of St. James-the-Less inside the burial ground is a fine example of Gothic Revival church architecture. The construction with rough cut stone and steep roofs and low side walls is a wonder of creation at those times.

The Government of Canada has deemed the cemetery and chapel as important displays of Gothic Revival trend in 1990. The cemetery has more than 89,000 burials to this day. There is also a crematorium which was added in 1948.

Toronto Necropolis

Located near Riverdale Farm in the western part of Don Valley, the Toronto Necropolis is one of the oldest cemeteries in Ontario. The historic cemetery dates back to 1850 when it was opened to take place of “Strangers’ Burying Ground.”

Today the cemetery is well maintained with beautiful greenery and interesting architecture. You can take a tour of the Victorian buildings and witness the huge collection of statues and sculptures.

The entrance portrays the unique Victorian Gothic architecture which is also prominent from the chapel. More than 50,000 people have been buried here and some graves are from the World War I and II time.

Many famous Ontarians like William Lyon Mackenzie, the first mayor of Toronto rest here. You can also find the graves of the Toronto Telegram founder John Ross Robertson, world champion rower Ned Hanlan and other personalities.

There is also a separate section containing the remains of 984 Early Settlers of the Town of York.

Hamilton Cemetery

The cemetery located on York Boulevard is the oldest in the city of Hamilton. It started its operation during the 1850s and had three different burial sites.

Till 1892 the Christ Church Grounds, Burlington Heights Cemetery and the Church of Ascension Grounds were managed separately. But due to financial constraints the three burial grounds were brought together and named the Hamilton Cemetery. The responsibility of maintenance was taken by the City of Hamilton.

The cemetery is the final resting ground of many mayors of Hamilton like Colin Campbell Ferrie, Herbert Earl Wilton and Samuel Lawrence. You can also find graves of many Senators, artists and politicians. It also has the grave of Isabella Whyte who was supposedly Queen Victoria’s half-sister.

Many family vaults like the Stinson Family Mausoleum, the Sanford Vault and others are located here. The tree stumps carved from stones and the George Hamilton monument are also worth witnessing.